Rose Family April 10, 2005 This small tree blooms early in April before the leaves are on the other trees. The common name, "Serviceberry" (or Sarviceberry to the old mountaineers) came from the practice of waiting until the ground thawed in the spring to bury people who died during the winter; the ground was soft enough by the time this small tree bloomed, so the funeral services could then take place. Perennial - Tree Where seen: Great Smoky Mountains NP, Piney River, Norris Dam SP, Warriors' Path SP
Rose Family Obed National Scenic River, Wartburg, TN May 22, 2009 I found this shrub in full bloom at the Lily Bridge parking area.
Rose Family April 16, 2005 This is the small white-flowered tree that is often seen along the roadsides and interstates in mid-April. It is an important source of fruit for wildlife in the fall. The flowers of the plum are similar to the Wild Cherry or Chokecherry, but they are larger and not in a long cluster. I found this tree blooming at the parking area of Haw Ridge. Flowers in the Rose family have numerous pistils and stamens. The pistils are the female parts of the flower, they are attached to the ovary, the seed-producing part. The stamen are the male parts and contain the pollen-producing anthers. Pollen must be transferred from one flower to another on a plant of the same type for seed production to occur. Perennial - Tree Where seen: Haw Ridge Greenway, Great Smoky Mountains NP
